Seems I missed this bit of news last week. The death of Bishop David Shepherd. There is an excellent page obituary in today’s Church Times.

Here was a hero who could teach today’s church many things. As we enter what is probably the most turbulent times the Anglican church worldwide has seen, we need sensible heroes like David Shepherd. Thankfully, I think Rowan Williams is one such hero.

Why do I think of David Shepherd as a hero? Simply because there was no division between his life and his ministry. One thing that stands out from his obituary is that he ignored ‘good advice’ and did what he saw as being biblically right. He did not worry about who he upset and regularly spoke out against politicians, most notably with Margaret Thatcher, and in my book that deserves a medal in itself!

One such example was in his time in the East End. Apart from moving into the area and setting up the Mayflower Centre he went against the advice of his vicar ‘to find any excuse you can to turn down invites to the christening or wedding parties’. He ‘forgot’ this as he knew that to share good news in the community that he needed to be part of the community – no wonder the church is so removed from society with thoughts like that being mainstream back in the 50’s!!

David Shepherd was a strong evangelical and yet one of the most remarkable relationships he had was with the Roman Catholic bishop of Liverpool, Archbishop Derek Warlock. These two men united together to tackle poverty and share Jesus in ‘their city’. They had differences but were strong and courageous enough to look above them to what united them.

If only people in authority in the Anglican church could do this now. As a member I have been completely frustrated over the last 15 or more years as I have seen our true missional focus watered down due to lack of momentum resulting from big efforts in arguing over theological differences over women priests, homosexuality, women bishops and now ECUSA and Canada. Yes, they are all important – but not AS important as presenting Jesus to the people of our communities. I pray that we can wake up soon.

I will not be leaving the Anglican church over gay bishops or women bishops – the thought to me is ridiculous! I am, however, finding it increasingly difficult to understand why I am part of a church where it seems more important to be right and prove others to be wrong, where it is more important to ‘out’ those we disagree with rather than love each other and encourage each other, where it is more important to maintain ‘traditional’ standards than care for the hurt, the broken, the poor. People say the above stuff is offensive. I find it offensive that they argue over stuff when people are dying without ever experiencing the love of Christ.

We need a David Shepherd type character today. As I said, I think Rowan Williams is one; I’m praying the new Archbishop of York, when announced, will be another so that, jointly, they can take us forward with integrity and courage.